Hospitality Management
Article | July 4, 2023
Embrace the opportunity in hospitality management careers. Make a difference in tourism to benefit businesses & explore rewarding pathways within sustainable hospitality and tourism industry.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Current Trends in Hospitality Management Careers
2.1. Technology Integration in the Hospitality Industry
2.2. Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness
2.3. Personalization and Customization
2.4. Focus on Wellness and Health
3. Importance of Skill Development and Training for Hospitality Management Careers
4. Emerging Opportunities for Hospitality Management Careers
1. Introduction
Embarking on a career in hospitality management opens the doors to a captivating world of endless possibilities within a dynamic and continuously expanding industry. Whether aspirations are rooted in hotel management, restaurant operations, event planning, or tourism, the hospitality sector boasts a multitude of diverse roles and avenues to explore.
To embark on this exciting journey, a combination of formal education, practical experience, and a service-oriented mindset is paramount. By acquiring the necessary skills, forging connections with industry professionals, and staying attuned to the latest trends, one can strategically position oneself for a fulfilling and ever-evolving career in this thriving field.
2. Current Trends in Hospitality Management Careers
2.1. Technology Integration in the Hospitality Industry
The pandemic accelerated consumers' adoption of technology in hospitality industry, while hotels quickly embraced new tools like contactless check-in systems and branded applications. However, a significant digital skills gap persists among hospitality workers, with nearly one in three lacking necessary AI, machine learning, and content-driven marketing competencies. Trends in the hospitality industry presents a tremendous opportunity for individuals seeking a career in hospitality management.
Upskilling in digital roles highly sought after by hotel brands, such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, e-commerce sales, data analysis, social media management, mobile app development, and digital guest experience management, can pave the way for a thriving career in the industry. Combining a hospitality management course with specialized training in digital marketing or ICT equips professionals to excel in the digital hotel economy. As the hospitality industry continues integrating technology, skilled individuals with digital expertise will play a vital role in driving innovation, enhancing guest experiences, and staying ahead of the competition.
2.2. Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness
90% of employees believe that companies should prioritize positive impacts on the planet as much as they prioritize profits. Moreover, consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental issues. A survey among 72,000 Hilton guests revealed that approximately 33% preferred hotels with environmental and social programs, emphasizing the significance of sustainability.
(Source: ehotelier)
Therefore, many hotels embrace sustainable practices, leading to a global shift towards the low-impact hospitality industry. The rise of green hotels contributes to a more environmentally conscious sector and creates additional employment opportunities for hotel staff. The demand for specialized green skills, such as auditing, compliance oversight, and change management, further reinforces the need for specialization in this expanding field.
Sustainable hotels and eco-tourism offer a growing array of career options for individuals passionate about the environment, travel and hospitality sector. By pursuing a career in this sector, professionals can contribute to preserving the planet while capitalizing on the increasing demand for sustainability-focused services.
2.3. Personalization and Customization
Customers in today's market seek tailored experiences that cater to their unique preferences and needs, prompting hotels and hospitality businesses to prioritize personalized offerings.
The rise of technology has played a crucial role in enabling personalization at various touchpoints. From personalized welcome messages to customized recommendations based on guest preferences, hotels harness data and advanced analytics to deliver exceptional and individualized guest experiences.
This trend creates exciting opportunities for professionals seeking to excel in hospitality and tourism careers. Roles such as guest experience managers, data analysts, and CRM specialists are in high demand as businesses strive to provide personalized services to their guests. Additionally, expertise in customer relationship management (CRM) systems, data analysis, and guest profiling can significantly enhance career prospects.
By staying updated on emerging technologies, honing customer-centric skills, and understanding the importance of data-driven decision-making, hospitality professionals can thrive careers in hospitality industry that are focused on personalization and customization. Embrace this trend, and position yourself at the forefront of delivering unforgettable, tailored experiences in the hospitality industry.
2.4. Focus on Wellness and Health
The pandemic has led people to be health conscious, and therefore, they have started prioritizing it, resulting in the growth of people prioritizing health with massive US $1.7 trillion market. With an expected growth rate of 44% in 2022, wellness is the fastest-growing segment of the tourism sector.
With this explosion of consumer interest, hotel brands are expanding into the wellness space and acquiring reputable spa, wellness and fitness brands. Hyatt, for example, recently received Two Roads, Miraval and Exhale, and IHG acquired Six Senses.
For hotel professionals , this trend opens up a new potential career opportunity that combine expertise in the wellness area with skills relevant to the hotel industry. For those who are passionate about wellness and health and like the idea of a career in beautiful locations and settings, this might be the right pathway in the hospitality and management career.
3. Skill Development & Training Importance for Hospitality Management Careers
The hospitality industry is known for its focus on providing exceptional service and creating positive guest experiences. It is a people-oriented sector that relies on the skills and efforts of individuals to ensure customer satisfaction. Skill development is paramount in this industry as it encompasses diverse skills necessary for running a successful enterprise.
Hospitality is a deliberate and sustained effort to maintain mutual understanding between organizations and the public, adapting to market requirements. As one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy, the industry faces the challenge of
aligning its skills requirements with the evolving labor market.
With approximately 10% of the global workforce engaged in the tourism and hospitality-related industry, skill development becomes a crucial concern for every entity operating as a hospitality service provider.
Effective skill development programs and training initiatives enable professionals to acquire the necessary competencies to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional guest experiences. By investing in skill development and training, individuals in hospitality management careers enhance their abilities and adapt to changing customer demands. Continuous improvement in skills ensures that professionals meet guests' diverse needs and contribute to their organizations' success.
4. Emerging Opportunities for Hospitality Management Careers
The hospitality industry is rapidly growing and evolving, presenting exciting career opportunities. To adapt to changing dynamics, the sector emphasizes the importance of skill development and training. The global health crisis has acted as a catalyst for innovation and technology adoption, enhancing customer experiences.
Hospitality education has transformed to meet industry demands, ensuring a talented workforce with relevant skill sets. Aspiring students can explore diverse career prospects in hospitality, culinary entrepreneurship, revenue management, media, e-commerce, client servicing, lifestyle consulting, and health & wellness. Bespoke hospitality has expanded beyond traditional hotels, offering personalized experiences like luxury staycations, glamping, and high-end cruises. Culinary entrepreneurship thrives on creativity and unique dining concepts. The health and wellness segment is rapidly growing, focusing on improving customers' physical and mental well-being.
Media and technology play significant roles, with social media engagement, e-commerce platforms, and virtual experiences shaping the industry. Customer service, revenue management, and 'human' skills like critical thinking and communication are highly valued. Skill development is crucial for success in the ever-evolving hospitality field. Professionals who embrace continuous learning and stay abreast of industry trends will seize abundant career opportunities in this dynamic sector.
5. Key Takeaway
Careers in the hospitality industry offers various opportunities in hotel management, restaurant operations, event planning, and tourism. To succeed in this dynamic field, skill development and training are essential. Emerging trends such as technology integration, sustainability, personalization, and focus on wellness present exciting avenues for hospitality professionals.
Digital skills are in high demand as hotels adopt new technologies and emphasize digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analysis, and guest experience management. Sustainability is a growing focus, with green hotels and eco-tourism creating opportunities for professionals with auditing and change management skills. Personalization and customization are key as hotels leverage technology to deliver tailored guest experiences, requiring expertise in guest management and data analysis. The wellness industry is also booming, offering potential career paths for those passionate about health and wellness.
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Hospitality Management
Article | June 19, 2023
Airports are embracing data and technology to improve the experience for both passengers and vendors. Such ‘smart airports’ where internet-connected devices control functions like thermostats and security using cloud-based technologies to enhance the consumer experience, are quickly becoming commonplace.
The Emergence of Smart Airports
Smart Airports were made to solve control and management problems that airports are having more and more of because of the number of people and goods that go through them. Because of this, experts from all over the world are focusing on smart airports, which use the latest developments in telecommunications, infrastructure, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Advantages of Smart Airports
Real-time data improves operational efficiency.
Cost reduction, productivity improvement, and operational perfection.
Demand optimization through passenger flow control and entry automation.
Improved passenger handling, flight control, check-in, etc.
Biometric monitoring systems, advanced cyber security, and reliable operations and maintenance improve surveillance and security.
Better ground and health surveillance (cleaning frequencies, availability of amenities, etc.).
The Revenue Angle
A smart airport uses Wi-Fi access points as sensors to track passengers’ location and record their dwell times. With this data, the airport could place signs and ads where they would be seen. While landing travelers previously made few purchases, this airport placed signs for products they may want to buy before leaving where they would be seen. The result was increased sales for retailers and landside revenue for the airport operator. (Source: Deloitte Study)
Traveler’s & Airport Operations Experience
A traveler constantly interacts with technology systems and stakeholders during his journey through the airport. The smart airport systems influence the traveler’s safety, convenience, and overall experience at the airport. Operations like bag tracking, indoor navigation, in-store beacons, geo-fencing, queue analyzer, biometric screening, Wi-Fi passenger tracking, and building management systems are powered by IoT implementations that make an airport smart.
Creating a Smart Airport: The Checklist
A well-structured planning process can assist airport leaders in navigating all of the options and gaining confidence in achieving the airport's business objectives. The checklist includes the following steps:
Selecting an IoT solution that aligns with your business goals
Determine the organizational and technical abilities required to implement the solution
Craft a road map to address gaps between the required abilities and existing abilities
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Business Travel
Article | May 17, 2023
Discover the top hospitality management trends in 2023 to elevate the travel and tourism businesses. Adapt to hospitality marketing trends that are reshaping the hospitality and travel industry.
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Importance of Hospitality Technology for Hospitality Industry
3. Five Hospitality Management Trends Shaping the Industry
3.1 Hotel Work Spaces
3.2 Robots in Hotels & Restaurants
3.3 Hyper-Personalization
3.4 Holistic Hospitality
3.5 Digitalized Guest Experiences
4. Today to Tomorrow: Hospitality Management 2.0
5. Final Thoughts
1. Introduction
The hospitality industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, leading to a need for businesses to gain a competitive edge. While some businesses couldn't withstand the challenges, others adapted swiftly, and innovative concepts emerged to cater to the new normal. In 2023, technology will continue to advance rapidly, and the trends in the hospitality industry will harness its potential in exciting new ways. Despite uncertain household budgets, consumer trends indicate a strong desire for hospitality and tourism. However, to thrive in this landscape, hospitality businesses must stay informed about the latest industry trends to optimize costs, maximize profitability, and ensure continued success in 2023 and beyond.
2. Importance of Hospitality Technology for Hospitality Industry
The hospitality industry, characterized by intense competition, prioritizes staying abreast of the latest hospitality management trends. Embracing technology offers many benefits, including streamlined processes, cost reduction, decreased staff workloads, increased revenue potential, and enhanced customer experiences.
By leveraging the latest technology, businesses can achieve work accuracy that surpasses what can be accomplished by human staff alone. Technology solutions make tasks more manageable and enable companies to meet the increasingly high expectations of today's customers. Keeping up with the latest hospitality technology trends is crucial, allowing businesses to stay caught up to their competitors. Failure to do so may grant rival companies, a significant competitive advantage, especially if they adopt technology that resonates with customers while others continue with traditional methods.
3. Five Hospitality Management Trends Shaping the Industry
3.1 Hotel Work Spaces
The rise of remote work has become a prominent trend in hospitality management and is projected to have a lasting impact. Fueled by the global public health crisis, numerous notable companies, including tech giants like Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon, have announced their intention to adopt a hybrid or flexible approach to remote work. The industry's future presents a significant opportunity for hospitality venues to position themselves as remote working hotspots for locals and travelers. Hotels and F&B establishments can capitalize on this trend by adapting their offerings to cater to the needs and preferences of this emerging segment. Providing ample plug sockets, offering free high-speed WIFI, creating well-equipped meeting rooms, and serving great coffee are essential starting points to attract remote workers and cater to their requirements effectively. By embracing and accommodating remote work trends, hospitality businesses can gain a competitive edge, enhance hotel operations and successfully meet the demands of this evolving market segment.
3.2 Robots in Hotels & Restaurants
An intriguing trend that has captured the attention of the hospitality industry is the growing integration of robotics and their application in tasks traditionally carried out by human personnel. A notable example includes the utilization of robots in the role of concierge within hotels, where they can warmly greet guests and provide them with essential customer information.
Moreover, certain hotels have begun implementing robots for cleaning, including vacuuming floors and even employing germ-killing capabilities. This practice holds potential for widespread adoption throughout the broader hospitality industry, including restaurants and other establishments. Integrating robotics in these operational aspects presents an exciting opportunity to enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and explore innovative avenues for growth and optimization within the industry.
3.3 Hyper-Personalization
In today's hospitality landscape, guests have elevated their expectations to be recognized and treated as individuals, driven by the increasing demand for personalized interactions. Recent research indicates that 71% of tourists now anticipate personalized experiences. However, many businesses are still limited to personalizing at a segment level, while customer expectations have advanced well beyond that, reaching the realm of hyper-personalization in 2023.
To achieve hyper-personalization, hospitality businesses can adapt trends in tourism industry and leverage technological platforms such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Customer Experience Management (CEM). These platforms utilize big data to create highly tailored one-to-one interactions between guests and hosts at scale. By drawing on data insights into customers' browsing and buying behaviors, hotels, travel providers and restaurants can customize their offers, promotions, and services to align with individual preferences and needs.
3.4 Holistic Hospitality
The current preventive medicine and self-care trend is gaining significant traction in various industries. In particular, the wellness sector is experiencing exponential growth, evolving into a thriving trillion-dollar market. Hospitality venues, especially those equipped with spa facilities, can capitalize on this trend and secure a substantial portion of this lucrative market.
While traditional beauty and relaxation spa services remain relevant, there is a rapid surge in demand for health diagnostic technology and customized treatment plans. Expert professionals are now offering personal or group sessions to foster vitality, facilitate healing, manage stress, achieve emotional balance, promote mindfulness, and enhance sleep quality. This evolving landscape presents a unique opportunity with trends in tourism and hospitality industry to expand offerings and meet the increasing customer demand for holistic wellness experiences.
3.5 Digitalized Guest Experiences
The increasing significance of apps in managing hotel services is reshaping the hospitality industry and revolutionizing the guest experience. The digital and contactless services trend has gained significant momentum, leading to a comprehensive transformation of customer-facing operations. Technology-assisted options, such as mobile check-in, contactless payments, voice control, and biometrics, redefine how guests interact with hotels.
Customers, who have grown accustomed to the convenience of unlocking their smartphones and laptops using facial and fingerprint recognition, will soon expect the same level of ease when accessing their hotel rooms. However, implementing these upgrades may pose financial challenges for establishments that provide these advanced services. To remain ahead of the curve and meet evolving customer expectations, hoteliers should invest substantially in adopting and maintaining the necessary technologies.
4. Today to Tomorrow: Hospitality Management 2.0
The future of the hospitality industry holds several key dimensions that hoteliers need to consider. First, shifting from standardization to personalized experiences is critical as travelers seek tailored services. Second, focusing on niche markets and value creation through customization and specialization lead to increased success. Embracing technology as a business accelerator is the third dimension, as it plays a central role in the hotel experience and enable innovative concepts. Fourth, social responsibility is a moral and economic obligation, with sustainability becoming a key focus. Developing responsive and resilient business models is the fifth dimension, essential for managing the risks and regulations associated with the growing tourist flows.
While the consensus among respondents in recent survey emphasizes the need for the businesses to adapt to hospitality industry trends 2023 to evolve and adapt to the current environment, some participants expressed more extreme views, suggesting that traditional hotel rooms may become obsolete. These individuals point to the growing impact of the sharing economy and the inclination of today's customers to seek alternatives to conventional hotels. They believe that the adjustments in offerings mentioned earlier may not be sufficient and that the industry must undergo a true reinvention to remain relevant.
This perspective highlights the importance of continuous innovation and staying ahead of evolving customer preferences. While personalized experiences, niche markets, technology integration, social responsibility, and resilient business models are key areas of focus, the industry needs to remain agile and open to further transformations.
5. Final Thoughts
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, businesses must embrace key hospitality management trends to gain a competitive edge and ensure future success. The integration of technology, such as robotics in hotels and restaurants, offer opportunities for enhanced efficiency and improved customer experiences. Hyper-personalization is becoming essential, with guests expecting tailored interactions and customized offerings. The growth of the wellness market presents a chance for hospitality venues to capitalize on preventive medicine and self-care trends. Digitalized guest experiences, including mobile check-ins and contactless payments, are reshaping customer-facing operations. Looking ahead, the industry needs to shift from standardization to personalized experiences, focus on niche markets, embrace technology, prioritize social responsibility, and develop responsive business models. While some experts suggest traditional hotel rooms may become obsolete, it is crucial to continually innovate and adapt to changing customer preferences to remain relevant in the dynamic hospitality landscape.
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Hospitality Trends
Article | January 3, 2022
If a kid comes to me nowadays and tells me about his passion for working in the hotel industry, he goes back home with a dream to become a pilot. I am not saying that the hotel industry is the worst kind of industry currently existing in today’s environment, but I am also not denying that.
Now, no offence to the hoteliers. You guys rock! It is no joke to work on a New Year Eve and see other people celebrating it while you guys make it happen. You have my respect! But I am probably not that tough. It took me a whole trial and error approach to declare this industry a nightmare for me. But I have so many of my friends still working in hotels and loving every second of their life. (At least that’s what they tell me.)
So why were our experiences so different? Why do I know that so many people are not really made for this industry? And what does it take to be a hotelier? I will try to answer these questions through my experience and observations.
Why Hotel Management?
It is that one question that is the most common and important one. Before taking any big decision, one should be asking a similar question. But what was my why?
Allow me to rewind my journey. I was in my 12th with commerce stream, and I was going through that self-enquiry phase. What after this? There was no 13th, nor did I enjoy accountancy too much to do it until I die.
So I used to surf the internet and explore different career options almost every day. That was one of my significant hobbies during that time. I used to evaluate my choices, and very soon I understood that I had limited options in the commerce field. So it was arts then? But what was the median salary in that sector?
After a lot of research, I realised the median salary in the arts sector was ‘disappointing’.
But still, if not that, then what? What was I going to do with my life? It was then that I saw the picture of a cruise ship and remembered 'Titanic'. It was then that I imagined the luxury of a 5-star hotel. It was that moment where I was about to make one of the stupidest decisions of my life.
I had never stepped into a kitchen nor showed the slightest interest in making any dish. I never really fancied cleaning glasses, nor did I like managing people under me. I also didn’t know absolutely anything about what was this industry all about.
But I dared to share it with my sister, and she was like, wow! It sounds so different! I told this to my friends, and they were like, wow! We always knew you would be doing something different! I told this to my father, and he told me students have to clean toilets during the internship, and I shouted, ‘But that’s not a big deal! Anyone can do that!’ Dad said, ‘Do whatever you want to do then, my son.’
Well, so what did I want apart from freedom in my life at that point? Maybe maturity? Oh! Screw that!
So I gave the entrance exam and got a decent rank. I desired to stand in the lobby of a 5-star-hotel and meet salacious women. I was pretty sure that many women would choose that industry apart from me. That was enough motivation! So yes, my reasons to choose the hotel industry was very logical and thoughtful, suffice to say.
What Happens in a Hotel?
The hotel industry is one of the most glamorous industries out there. Everything is so clean, eloquent, expensive, and pretty. People come to a 5-star hotel, are warmly welcomed, served drinks; they are provided comfortable beds to sleep in, and they enjoy their stay and endless services. Then they simply check out.
My only mistake while considering this option was that I wouldn’t be treated like one of those ‘People’ there. In our very first lecture, the term ‘Guest’ was taught to us and how we are not them. We are the ones who would serve them. We would be the waiters, the cooks, the greeters, the bartenders, etc. We wouldn’t be drinking with them but watching them while they would be cavorting.
That was a shocker! So many things happen in a hotel, and hoteliers make those things happen. They do all the hard work. The Bakery Chef would spend hours decorating the cake, which the guests would smash on each other's faces. The housekeeper would clean the bathtub while the guest would take five more baths after that.
The front desk agent would be greeting the guest during check-in, and the guest would throw tantrums because of his arduous journey. Suddenly my bubble broke, and I realised what I really signed for. I signed for an everyday vacation in hell.
Who Survives?
I think adulthood is about that realisation when you get to know that bread isn’t free. And what buys that bread isn’t that easy to get. And how much that thing matters to you is going to decide how happy you are going to be in your life.
If I was that guy who had grown up watching Masterchef and experimenting in the Kitchen all my life, then a Gordon Ramsey could have come out of me.
If I were a fastidious guy who wanted everything to be clean and perfect, then an entrepreneur or a manager could have come out of me who would have tried to do that during his job.
If I were a guy who loved making people smile, then interacting with guests while serving the food or taking their check-ins would have been the best things out there for me.
You get my point! There are so many things that could have made hotel management an ideal career choice for me. It really is a glamorous industry, and it can provide satisfaction as a career option to some people out there. But that wasn’t the case with me. Sadly that wasn’t the case with many of my batchmates and colleagues of mine as well.
After completing my three-year graduation, four-month industrial training, and one-year job as a Front Desk Agent, I quit. Nor could the managers inspire me, nor any other incentives that the industry had to offer. My future looked as grim as the life of an insect (No offence to you if you are an insect.)
So yes, be wise before choosing this industry because this industry demands a lot! It is one of the most selfless jobs out there, and you have to be prepared for the nasty feedbacks after all your hard work. So do some self-inspection (Unlike me) if you are stuck in this industry or are planning to do so.
And if you love where you are right now, then as I said, you have my respect.
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